Background
He was the eldest son of George I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, by his second wife Sophie, possibly a member of the House of Hohnstein. In 1471, his father concluded a succession contract with Adolph I, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen
He was the eldest son of George I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, by his second wife Sophie, possibly a member of the House of Hohnstein. In 1471, his father concluded a succession contract with Adolph I, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen
Under the terms of this contract, George I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, took over the government of half the principality of Anhalt-Köthen and became co-ruler with Adolf as "Mitherr." Shortly after, George renounced his rights in favor of Waldemar, who became the new co-ruler with Adolph I. Adolph I died two years later, in 1473, and Waldemar then had to rule jointly with his half-brother and heir, Albert VI. Upon the death of Albert VI, two sons of Adolph I, Magnus and Adolph II, were included in the government of the principality. During his lifetime, Waldemar also assumed the following titles: "Lord of Köthen" (in 1480), "Lord of Hoym" (in 1492), and "Lord of Burgscheidungen" (in 1496). Philip died without issue in 1500 and Adolph I"s sons formally renounced their rights to rule the principality eight years later.
In consequence, Waldemar became the sole ruler of Anhalt-Köthen, but enjoyed this status for only a few months during the year 1508.
On his death, he was succeeded by his only surviving son, Wolfgang.